Not Sure Whether to Repair or Replace?
Can you imagine what life would be like without hot water? It’s something we use on a daily basis, and we often take for granted how readily available it is. Because water heaters are such an essential component of a happy household, it’s important to look out for telltale signs that they may need replacing.
Age
On average, your water heater should last around eight to 12 years. So, if you think yours is around that age, you might want to consider replacement options. If you aren’t sure how old your water heater is, don’t fret. You can determine the age by looking at the manufacture’s label on the side of your unit. You might be completely thrown off by the serial number because it doesn’t appear that an actual date is on there. You might need to do some decoding, but rest assured we’re here to help. You can use this chart to find the date on any brand of water heater.
Increased Energy Bill
If you have a water heater that’s nearly two decades old, don’t go around bragging about it, because it might actually be costing you. A water heater that’s older is often more inefficient, which in turn requires more energy to run. For many homeowners, water heating costs account for nearly 25 percent of their utility bill, so if you’re using an inefficient water heater, it could very well be the explanation behind high energy costs.
Less Hot Water
If your baths or showers aren’t as hot as they used to be, it could be due sediment buildup in your water heater. This is an especially common occurrence with older water heaters. When water is heated, limescale and other minerals form on the sides of the tank and burner. If they aren’t filtered out, a sediment barrier will form and your tank will not able to function efficiently.
Rust-Colored Water
Inspect the outside of your water heater to see if any rusty water is coming out of the piping. If you find rust, it could be a sign that your water heater is rusting away and will soon begin to leak.
To find out if the culprit is your water heater, drain several five-gallon buckets of hot water through it. If there is still rusty water by the third bucket, then it’s mostly likely an issue with your water heater. However, if there isn’t rust in the second or third bucket, the issue is probably rusted galvanized piping. If you need assistance at any point, don’t hesitate to call a licensed plumber.